5 Beauty Products I used (until the end) and loved this month: May 28th 2021

Alright so here’s a tiny brag. I’ve been discovering the creme de la creme of skincare over the past few weeks. No joke. For some reason everything that has landed on my doorstep, whether press samples or purchased myself (as influenced by others regularly), has made my skin feel incredible. It’s the one thing in my life, in this rather chaotic shit storm of a year that seems to have come together! So, rather than calling out individual beauty products as I use them, I thought I would keep a running commentary on five at a time. As I finish them, I’ll stack them up and when I get to five, I’ll share. Trust me, these will come fast and furious, as at the moment I use about ten products on my face daily. Hey, I’m 41 and trying to keep this whole ageing gracefully thing up for as long as I possibly can.

So, without further ado, here are the first five. These are the products I used until the very end. We’re talking me scraping the last of the product from the container’s bottom in order to use every active ingredient! To me, that means a product is damn good and absolutely worth sharing.

Please note there are affiliate links used and when products have been sent for review I will identify them as press products. Ok, time to dive in. Enjoy!

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum {Pr Product}

£72 / $85

What is it? 

A serum used for reducing wrinkles and creating plumper and firmer skin around the eyes, suitable for all skin types.

This is the #1 retinol eye serum in the USA at the moment.

Why I loved it?

I have a serious problem with retinol. It has historically completely thrown my skin out of balance, no matter how slow I take it. This was the first retinol product that didn’t give my very sensitive skin a problem. In fact, it did the exact opposite. My eye area did in fact feel plumper and firmer and more hydrated. I have since bought this product again, along with another retinol under the Murad brand, which I will discuss later next month after I’ve finished the bottle. But, I’ll say now, and I’ll say it again, if you want a retinol product for sensitive skin, this is your answer. It’s pricey, but worth it!

ila-spa CBD Face Cream {Pr Product}

£55

What is it?

A nourishing face cream that includes a CBD formula that will help soothe and calm sensitive skin. Great for targeting fine lines, hyperpigmentation and rough or flaky skin.

Why I loved it?

This is my first CBD moisturiser and I have to tell you I wasn’t going to use it from anyone else other than ila-spa for my first experience. The reason for that is because I trust this brand and have known the owner for over a decade. Nothing this woman does she does lightly. There are years of research that go into each product and I know she wouldn’t have just jumped into CBD as a fad.

I have to tell you, though, that when I first opened the bottle I was very concerned about putting this on my face. The cream seemed very heavy and very rich – a combo that has historically meant trouble for me. However, the oily cream combo melted into my skin, leaving no residue or greasiness and I woke up every morning feeling as if I’d had a facial while sleeping. It truly is incredible. It was so incredible that I ordered my mother a bottle to the USA a week into using this moisturiser. Yup, it’s that good.

I will further comment, however, that the 100 degree weather in the south at the moment has meant that she isn’t using it at present. For anyone living in this heat, that’s something to keep in mind. It might be too heavy for summer. But, in 50 degree heat in the UK, this was ideal. Here in the south, we just sweat in this heat so you can’t really wear anything with any weight on your skin this time of year…. but speaking of heat…

Coola Full Spectrum 360 Sun silk Drops SPF 30

£46 / $46

What is it?

A lightweight facial sunscreen that helps prevent sun damage, including blue light from all your screens, while also shielding skin from pollutants and giving an extra bump with moisture, as it contains hyaluronic acid!

Why do I love it?

I saw a beauty influencer talk about this product and, at the time, I was having a real problem with sunscreen feeling too clunky on my skin. I wanted to be someone that was adopting this “must always wear SPF mentality” but I just couldn’t get on board with it. The influencer I mentioned was having the same issues and said this was golden stuff, so I bought it immediately.  And, well, I was very surprised by just how good it was. I used it in the winter months, in the UK, as I wanted something lightweight and easy, but also something that provided enough protection on a day to day basis. They say if you can read without turning on a light, you need to be wearing SPF in that weather. So, this was the answer. Now that I’m home, and in constant blaring sun, I’ve upgraded to an SPF50, so I am using another product. But, this is great for daily wear to keep your skin in tip top sun fighting shape!

Glossier Futuredew

$24

What is it?

This is an oil serum hybrid that gives a radiant glow while also giving the skin an instant boost in plumpness and hydration.

Why I love it?

While some people do use this as an actual serum in their skincare regime, this is actually something I put on at the end of my makeup routine. It gives a glossy glow like nothing I’ve ever tried before. I pat it on instead of rubbing it in and it gives that glassy sheen we’re all after at the moment. It’s magical.

Warning, however… it is pretty greasy and the greasiness doesn’t really settle down too quickly or soak in… but that’s how you get the glow! I got used to it and had so many comments from people who claimed I had a pregnancy glow. That might have also had something to do with eating too much pizza… meat sweats and a swollen tummy can be deceiving.

Megababe Thigh Rescue

$14 (if you’re in the UK, you can order this from Goop to ship abroad)

What is it?

This is a balm that is applied to the inner thighs to keep them from chafing in the heat.

Why I love it?

I’m going to make a big statement here. I would not be able to wear dresses without this product. End of. Full stop. This product changed my life. I never ever let myself go further than having at least two spares in my cupboard at any time and I fear it ever discontinuing. If you have problems with thighs chafing in the summer, this will change everything you know about summer wardrobing issues. This will free you from the rub and allow you burn the bicycle shorts and embrace bare legs in hot climates. This is my desert island product. I’d give everything else up, but this. It’s not about vanity. This is about keeping my summers pain free!